Why doesn't the U.S. withdraw its forces from Korea?

Question

Why do Americans make such a fuss about Iraq and yet nobody has any beef about our troops being stationed in Korea (for more than 50 years now)?

Wouldn't withdrawing our troops from South Korea virtually eliminate any conflict we have with the North?

I'm not necessarily advocating a withdrawal, I'm just curious to get other people's opinions.

Answer 1

Our troops in South Korea are not just about countering the threat from N. Korea, they are also about having influence in the region. On the "counter threat" side, the North Koreans know that if they move south it will trigger a certain response from the United States. If the US wasn't there then that response might not be as certain and the N. Koreans might be more tempted to make a run for Seoul.

On the politics/diplomatic side, having troops in the region gives the US a seat at the Pacific Rim diplomatic table. The US wants to maintain relevant in that area to counter the dominance of China.

Answer 2

That Northern Corea will try again to occupy Southern Corea is just one reason. But there are other ones, too.
There was a so called Corean War - but mainly fought between the US and China. The USA saved one Corea from being occupied by the communistic China and Northern Corea. This happenend at a time the Sowjet Union (Communists) and the USA (Capitalists) both had proven their ownership of atomic bombs - a direct conflict became impossible. So they changed battle locations. Vietnam, Afghanistan, Corea: all of them were supported by the US for avoiding the communism from spreading into the world and by the USSR for avoiding the US world influence from growing stronger.
Well, the USSR broke down, but the communistic Northern Corea and the communistic PRC stayed. Both were interested in US troops leaving Corea - they both planned to unify the Corean Peninsula under the communist's leadership. Nowadays, only the North would like to invade the South. So the US troops make them hesitating.
But China now has a new problem: Taiwan. And this country was officially recognised by the US government. So the troops in Corea became a political "weapon". They are in range to support Taiwan if China invades the revolting island. And they are many. If China kills them to reach the reunification with Taiwan, why should the USA accept their soldier's death? So this would lead to a war between the USA and China - both atomic forces, a horrible scenario. Mostly for the PRC, but also for the USA.
This is why the troops still are placed in Corea: They ensure the collection of asian allies the US has: Taiwan, Corea, the Philippines, Micronesia etc. And this is why noone would remove them from where they are.

Answer 3

Although it's touted as the "United Nations" peace keeping effort, The US is really the major force in South Korea.

American forces stationed in S. Korea plays the role of keeping the bully out of the school yard. Also, It's one of the few instances where democracy was delivered by the US and Allies which actually worked.

Withdrawing troops from S. Korea at this time would make Kim Jung Ill, look like a hero or, at the very least, make it seem to the world as though the US cut and ran. This is probably not a good idea in today's political environment around the globe.

Answer 4

It would not alleviate any problems with the North. The North
would still have a problem with the South and with Japan and
Russia and the rest of the world.

Point of information, there is still fighting between South Korea
and North Korea in the DMZ. You don't hear about that on the news
because the media does not think it news worthy.

Thank you very much, while you're up!!

Answer 5

The Chinese and Taiwanese and Thai and Indonesians and others have no troops there, but missile testing proves that each of these countries is potentially threatened...

so there is essentially a bully sitting in the middle of this region that is proving he can kick the crap out of a lot of his neighbors. Should the biggest dude in the bar do something (the USA), as part of his family (Hawaii, Guam) are potentially threatened as well. Or should he just mind his own business and let everyone solve their own problems? That's essentially the deal, and North Korea doesn't deny a military buildup, i.e. they are getting ready for a fight. What do you do?

Some says the US, together with China and others, should remind the bully that he will get his *** whooped if he does it again. Some think the US shoud sit quietly and do nothing. Apparently, your statement asks "Shouldnt the US just run away"?

I think the US should maintain intens diplomatic pressure, maintain troops and icnrease embargo tactics, but not take military action until provoked with military action. We should also be using this as an opportunity to build relations with China, and get them to share our values of preventing military action in the region through our combined strength. As of now, China doesnt what to do much.

Answer 6

It would be just another white flag to signify that America has lost it's stones. North Korea would view this as a weakness and likely start aggression to the south. And I doubt us withdrawing would even slow down the tension buildup between America and N Korea. Kim Jong Il is a lunatic paranoid personality much like Saddam Husayn and Mahmoud Whatshisname in Iran. It saddens me to see how afraid my country seems to be becoming. We are afraid to offend anyone, even murderous psychopaths.

Answer 7

no because our presence in the DMZ is the equalizer. The north korean army is huge and they have nukes. With that nut of a leader who knows what they will do next. Our forces are not occupying South Korea we are simply based there

Answer 8

The US has to keep a strong Military presence in South Korea because of North Korea and because of the cease
fire and defense treaty we have with South Korea.
2. NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 9

Most of these answers are correct, but lacking one point. Although the gov. will never admit it I believe the U.S. has nukes in S. Korea. Not the big crowd pleasers, but smaller tactical weapons. Theater weapons that are commanded by the Gen. on site. The N. Commies would be foolish not to realize this. That is why they are developing there own little weapon. As long as we have those weapons there we have to stay to keep control of them.

Answer 10

If we withdraw, North Korea will again try to take over South.